The Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute has the pleasure to announce the participation of the President of Togo H.E. Mr. Faure Gnassingbé in the 16th Dialogue of Civilizations Rhodes Forum which will take place on October 5-6, 2018 in Rhodes, Greece.

H.E. Mr. Faure Gnassingbé will participate in the key event of this year's forum - the Africa Summit, titled "Engaging Africa in Dialogue: Towards a Harmonious Development of the Continent", which is a high-level panel dedicated to the development of the African continent and its relations with the rest of the world.

The President Faure Gnassingbé, who currently chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), welcomed the relevance of the themes selected for the Sixteenth Dialogue of Civilizations Rhodes Forum and especially the summit devoted to Africa.

"There's no doubt that the quality of the expected participants coupled with the DOC experience in organizing such events will contribute to the success of the work of the 16th Dialogue of Civilizations Rhodes Forum for mutual understanding between the people of different cultures and an inclusive development of the planet", he also stated.

The other participants of the Africa Summit are H.E. Mr. Dioncounda Traoré, President of Mali (2012-2013); Mme Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov, Special Representative of the President of Russia for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia; Professor Achille Mbembe, renowned philosopher, political scientist and public intellectual; Mr. Jean-Yves Ollivier, Founder and Chairman of the Brazzaville Foundation. Mr. Zyad Limam, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Afrique Magazine who will moderate the summit. Other high-level participants are also expected.

The 16th Dialogue of Civilizations Rhodes Forum, titled "Making multilateralism work: Enhancing dialogue on peace, security and development", brings together current and former heads of State who will join world-renowned experts, members of the business community, researchers, and civil society representatives to identify emerging trends and to discuss solutions for ongoing global issues. A current programme can be found under: www.doc-research.org/forum/

First convened in 2003, the Dialogue of Civilizations Rhodes Forum brings together concerned members of the international political, business, civil society and academic communities in a spirit of dialogue and inclusivity. Every year, hundreds of participants from more than 70 countries explore the major challenges facing the world and seek concrete, applicable solutions rooted in shared values of equality, mutual respect and compassion.

The Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute is an independent research institute whose mission is to promote mutual understanding, inclusive development and equitable dialogue. It seeks to develop policy proposals based on scientific research that address key challenges faced by the international community, from infrastructure underdevelopment and economic inequality to civilizational and religious tensions.

For more information on how to participate or attend, contact: rhodes@doc-research.org